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Have we got a deal for you on a used car. Really. It's all about supply and demand.

Prices for used cars have been soaring ever since the recession, because so many drivers tried to squeeze that very last mile out of their old clunker.

That meant there were relatively few good condition, late model cars and trucks on car dealer lots.

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But now, with new car sales revving up, consumers are trading in their old cars, and the supply of in-demand used vehicles is finally coming into balance with demand. As a result, prices are starting to come back down.

According to Adesa Services analyst Tom Kontos, used vehicle prices fell 4½ percent in April, compared to a year ago. The average wholesale price is nearly $10,000.

The price for minivans and full-size crossovers have both tumbled by more than 10 percent during the past year. But pickup trucks and full-size vans have continued to increase in price.

There are other surveys, however, prices newer models have leveled off, but not really declined very much.

USA Today, citing figures from Edmunds.com, says prices on those sought-after, late model cars sold by major automakers have declined by less than one percent. Edmunds says the average price for those dealership "cream puffs" is $15,793.

Analysts say that if you're thinking about trading in your car, don't wait. Prices are near their peak.

On the other hand, if you're looking to buy used, don't be in too much of a rush. Prices are likely to come back down some more during the next few months.

Earlier this year, the car shopping website CarGurus, reported that used cars were cheaper in and around heavily populated urban areas.

It recommends that you expand your search area, maybe traveling as far as two hours away, in order to get the best deal.

It's always a good idea to get vehicle history reports and to pay a local mechanic to do a quick once-over to make sure there are no major problems.

Before heading out the door, there are plenty of research sites you can use. Among the most popular: Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, NADA, cars.com and our own AOL Autos.

By Michael Zak | AOL Autos

A recent Interest.com study looked at the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the United States to see which median-income households in those respective areas can afford to purchase a new car, the average price of which was $30,550 in 2012, according to TrueCar. The study found that in only one city can residents actually afford a car with this sticker price -- Washington, D.C.

Households with an average income in Washington, D.C. can afford a payment of up to $628, which would allow for purchase of a $31,940 vehicle. The next closest city, San Francisco, can only afford $537 per month, equating to a $26,786.

While it's not news that Americans like to buy things that they can't afford, the data is a little surprising given how many great cars there are out there for well under $30,000. Solid hybrids, CUVs, sedans and sports cars can all be had for less than this.

We've racked our brains and come up with 5 of the best cars that are cheaper than the average car's purchase price. These are affordable, versatile, fun and fuel efficient. Of course, there are some stinkers in this price range, as well, so we've included 5 vehicles we think you should avoid.

The Subaru BRZ proves that driving bliss doesn't have to cost a fortune. The rear-wheel drive sports coupe is one of the most engaging vehicles on the road today, with utterly superb dynamics and looks. The best part? You can have one for $25,495.

Although the redesigned 2014 version of this handsome hatch will be on sale in the near future, the current generation is still worth buying. It's fuel efficient, fun and surprisingly versatile. Starting at less than $20,000, the Golf is also quite affordable.

The Toyota Pirus v is essentially a bigger version of the popular Prius hybrid. This hatchback acheives stellar fuel economy while allowing for transport of numerous people and all of their stuff. Starting at $26,650, you can have all the benefits of a versatile hybrid for an agreeable price.

The Mazda CX-5 is one of our favorite crossovers here at AOL Autos even when taking more expensive ones into account. Remarkably fun to drive, fuel efficient and starting at a low price, there's a lot to love about this agile utility vehicle.

This small sedan continue to be the darling of both critics and consumers nationwide. Available with tons of standard features, great looks and sweet fuel economy, the Elantra is one of the best cars on the planet right now.

The 200 is a holdover from when Chrysler was owned by Daimler and then private equity-firm Cerberus Capital. It's not that this car is awful, especially since the new Chrysler, managed by Fiat, made a series of improvements. It's that the other cars in this category are so good, and much better designed and engineered.

The Scion tC is intended to be a sporty coupe. The problem? It's not sporty. At all. In fact, the tC finds itself on the Consumer Reports list of the least fun cars to drive and we're inclined to agree with that assessment.

Don't be fooled by the badge. This is not really a luxury car. With uninspired driving dynamics and a lackluster interior, you should pass on the ILX even though its low sticker price seems very tempting.

The idea of the smart fortwo is great. It's the execution that's the problem. The fortwo is loud, terrible to drive and really isn't all that fuel efficient, considering its size. There are way better options between $10,000 and $20,000.